September: 86 places at their best

Portugal, Europe

The Algarve in November

One of the wettest months. Cheap and quiet, with sunny spells between fronts.

Quiet valueMild, highs near 66F (19C), rainier
Algarve Ponta da Piedade, the Algarve
The AlgarvePhoto: Joergsam, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

November is a quiet, good-value month to visit the Algarve. One of the wettest months. Cheap and quiet, with sunny spells between fronts.

Weather
Mild, highs near 66F (19C), rainier
Crowds
1 of 5
Prices
1 of 5

What November is like in the Algarve

November is one of the wettest months, with highs near 66F (19C). Rain comes in fronts, with sunny spells in between. Many beach bars and seasonal restaurants in resort areas close, and prices are low. It is quiet and relaxed. Larger towns like Faro, Lagos, and Tavira stay open, so you can still find good seafood and busy cafes. Seas are often rough, so boat trips to the caves get cancelled more often.

It suits walkers, golfers, and budget travelers who do not need a beach. If you want sunshine and swimming, aim for May, June, or September.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about the Algarve this month.

01

Cheap stays

November is one of the cheapest months, with good deals on hotels and apartments.

02

Autumn birds in the lagoons

Birds gather in the lagoons in autumn, and the ferries to the islands are quiet.

03

Sunny spells between the rain

When the sun comes out, cliff walks and town strolls are lovely and empty.

What to pack for November

  • A waterproof jacket
  • Walking shoes with good grip
  • A warm sweater
  • An umbrella

Our timing tip

Check boat tour conditions the day before, since rough seas often cancel cave trips in late autumn.

Book The Algarve for November.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Things to do in the Algarve

Full guide
01

Ponta da Piedade, Lagos

Rock pillars, arches, and grottoes best seen by small boat or kayak in calm morning water.

Tickets and tours →

02

Benagil sea cave

The famous cave with a hole in the roof. Boat and kayak tours run most of the year; access rules for landing inside have tightened, so check current regulations.

Tickets and tours →

03

Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

A clifftop walk from Praia da Marinha toward Benagil and beyond. Best in spring and autumn, early in the day.

Tickets and tours →

04

Sagres and Cape St. Vincent

The windswept southwestern tip of Europe, with a clifftop fortress and famous sunsets.

Tickets and tours →

05

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Lagoons and barrier-island beaches reachable by ferry from Olhao, Faro, and Tavira. Superb for birdwatching.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

06

Tavira

A calmer, more traditional town in the east, with a Roman-style bridge and ferries to Ilha de Tavira beaches.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • Take Ponta da Piedade and Benagil boat tours at the first departure of the day for calm water and fewer boats.
  • Swap the busiest central beaches for the Ria Formosa islands or the west coast beaches, which are wilder and far less crowded.
  • If you must go in July or August, book cars, villas, and popular restaurant tables early, and hit the beach by 9am.
  • Stay in towns like Tavira or Lagos rather than high-rise resort strips for more character and quieter evenings outside peak season.

Know before you go

  • Many beach bars, seasonal restaurants, and some hotels in resort areas close from about November to March. Larger towns stay open all year.
  • Boat tours to the caves run much of the year but are frequently cancelled when seas are rough, especially in winter.
  • Lifeguards typically staff major beaches from about June to September only; outside that window, check flags and conditions carefully.
  • Some beaches along the cliffs are closed or restricted because of rockfall risk. Respect signs and do not sit directly below cliffs.

The Algarve in November, quick answers

Is November a good time to visit the Algarve?

November is a quiet, good-value month to visit the Algarve. One of the wettest months. Cheap and quiet, with sunny spells between fronts.

What is the weather like in the Algarve in November?

Mild, highs near 66F (19C), rainier.

Is the Algarve crowded in November?

November is one of the quieter months in the Algarve; most sights can be done without long waits.

Keep planning The Algarve.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01The Algarve in OctoberThe month before: Warm, highs near 73F (23C), first rainsGood
  2. 02The Algarve in DecemberThe month after: Mild, highs near 62F (17C), rainy spellsQuiet value
  3. 03The Algarve in MayThe next best month: Sunny, highs near 73F (23C)Best

Also at their best in November

Everywhere in November

Where else is good in November?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

Before you book.

Sort these two things first.

Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

  • Travel insurance.

    Faye

    A missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.

    Visit Faye
  • eSIM data.

    Saily

    Set up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.

    Visit Saily

Our top-rated travel gear

Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.

Packing CubesEagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Compression Set

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Compression Set

compression set

Check price ~$50
ChargerAnker Nano II 65W

Anker Nano II 65W

65W GaN listed

Check price ~$30
TrackerApple AirTag (4-Pack)

Apple AirTag (4-Pack)

4 per pack listed

Check price ~$89
Travel PillowTrtl Travel Pillow

Trtl Travel Pillow

packs flat

Check price ~$65
AdapterEPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

all-region listed

Check price ~$20
Luggage ScaleEtekcity Luggage Scale

Etekcity Luggage Scale

handheld hook

Check price ~$10

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.